CDMX and Co.

Wow, I never thought I would get to this point, posting something about my life, sharing it online, and desperately hoping for likes and comments. On the other hand, after my monthly emails from Cuba or some funny videos from Togo, this was the only logical next step to climb the ladder of social media success. Of course, yes, I am just kidding, and this post, in fact, the whole website, is intended to inform my friends and family, loved ones and curious ones about my adventure that I started about two months ago. For the ones who struggle to understand my lines already, please change the language on the top right; there, you can find the German version of my posts. Yes, I will write all my posts in English and German; no, I will not write them in French or Spanish too. But you can use deepl.com to translate it; trust me, it's super easy.

With the following lines, facts and figures and the picture section, I aim to take you with me on this journey. Feel free to share your feedback, or in case you don't like what I write, you better call me directly. Have fun and enjoy.

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This first post is about our family trip through the yet for us unknown, maybe somehow scary, Mexico. Obviously, the whole purpose was to visit my baby brother Maico in his new home. However, we saw a little more than just the Ciudad de Mexico!

CDMX

I remember that a long time ago, I read about Mexico City somewhere on a Linkedin post, someone saying something about the cultural diversity and rich history of CDMX and how it was more interesting than New York, Rome or whatever. But as much as I remember some very specific details of the post, I have yet to find it again, and that's why I provide you here with a beautiful summary of the city and its history, generated by my dear friend ChatGPT.

Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis, is renowned for its cultural diversity and rich historical background. The city's tapestry is woven from a fusion of indigenous, European, and contemporary influences, evident in its architecture, art, and traditions. Comparable to cities like New York and Rome, Mexico City boasts a multicultural atmosphere, attracting people from all over the country, while its ancient Aztec roots and Spanish colonial heritage contribute to its unique character.

Thanks a lot, I could not have explained it better. Maybe to add a few words of mine; It's a vast city, the most important in the country and Central America (even though Mexico is actually North America) and just a little behind São Paulo's economic power. Despite these glorious words, the city and the whole country have to fight negative stereotypes and attention drawn from the media. When hearing about Mexico, organized crime and corruption come to mind. While both accusations might be true, it rarely affects foreigners. While the political side might, as in many countries nowadays, be struggling, the safety issue is something you wouldn't have to worry about, at least, as long as you apply common sense and don't visit specific neighbourhoods and areas. In general, police and military are always present, and thanks to the tech giant Uber, you will always find your way back home safely. The sad fact that human trafficking and drug dealing are a reality can't be ignored. However, Mexicans should not be generalised. We got to know some charming people, and in terms of hospitality, many European countries could learn from the Mexicans. I encourage everyone to visit CDMX; something new, a combination where vibrant culture, fascinating history, and warm hospitality, await to embrace you in an unforgettable journey of exploration and adventure.

Indeed, all of us were impressed by what the city has to offer, starting with the magical neighbourhood of Coyoacan, in which Maico has decided to settle down, at least for the next few months. A colourful, busy and very safe part of the city with a variety of culinary highlights, modern cafes and full of artsy spots. We enjoyed staying in an artist's house on a quiet cobblestone street near the central park. It was a little gem in which his grandmother's murals decorated the walls. She was a close friend of Frida Kahlo, one of the most famous Mexican artists ever. Along with her old residence, which is today converted into a gallery, the Templo Mayor, the Palace of Chapultepec and the Palacio de Bellas Artes contributed to our cultural and historical discovery tour. Talking about Mexican culture and modern habits, the highlight of our visit was the famous Lucha Libre Friday night fight spectacle! It was indeed a bucketload full of culture, and extremely fun to watch the locals go crazy about their favourite wrestlers and their unique stunts. A must-do if you ever make it. Apart from enthusiastically celebrating the fights, we spent our time strolling through the modern and with skyscrapers spiked Reforma, the posh Polanco and the bohemian Roma. We discovered diverse art markets in the park, tried some authentic and especially spicy food in the markets and let ourselves be entertained by street performers and Mariachi bands. We had a fantastic time!

Cozumel, Teotihuacan, Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl

Exactly, I had the same thought, and I also had to practice these names repeatedly. Even though they all sound similar, these tongue twisters' meanings are entirely unrelated and as different, diverse and exciting as this country's natural beauty. Starting from Cozumel, a magnificent island across the touristic Playa del Carmen. We spent the first four days of our vacation snorkelling, swimming, and simply enjoying the beautiful beaches with turquoise water. The underwater world was surprisingly exciting, and we spent most of our time discovering it. A thing that we Europeans might often not realize is the fact that Americans travel too, especially to their beloved neighbouring country. We were gently reminded of this when the three to six cruisers docked at the port, and the village got filled with them like ants. Despite the exclusive beach in our hotel (thanks to the Hamilton discount), we still tried to escape the crowd sometimes just to discover the empty beaches and natural reserves by bike or scooter. In the latter case, we also had the pleasure of experiencing our first encounter with the police, which made the older half of us quite nervous. Luckily enough, and after showing Ricardo from the 7th Brigade our Swiss driving license and sharing our hotel name, he forgot about our criminal offence (we ignored a driving ban), the extra polite señor found his victims in the couple that was just about to pass. We continued our way and never looked back.

Away from the water but trying to get closer to Mesoamerican roots, we visited the archaeological sights of Teotihuacan, an ancient city of gods. Built by an unknown civilization about 2000 years ago and later discovered by the Aztecs. An imposing site that is still full of mysteries and yet about to be fully discovered and understood. Apart from the heat, we barely felt a connection to the powers of the various gods, but it was indeed an impressive trip.

We still got to feel the gods, though, more specifically under our feet. As we hiked towards the 5000m top of the volcano, we were exposed to utterly new weather conditions. Through the fog, against cold breezes and protecting ourselves from the hail, we sometimes struggled to catch breath, while our guide Toño enthusiastically tells us the mystique saga:

Popocatepetl was a brave warrior, and Iztaccihuatl was the daughter of a tribal chief. The two were deeply in love and planned to marry. However, before their wedding, Popocatepetl was called to battle a neighbouring tribe. He promised Iztaccihuatl that he would return victorious, and they would be together.

During Popocatepetl's absence, a rival suitor spread false news of Popocatepetl's death to Iztaccihuatl. Heartbroken, she believed the news and died of grief. When Popocatepetl returned and learned of Iztaccihuatl's death, he was devastated. He carried her lifeless body to a sacred place and laid her to rest. Overwhelmed by sadness, he took a smoking torch and kneeled by her tomb, vowing to stay by her side forever.

The gods, moved by their eternal love and sacrifice, transformed the lovers into mountains. Popocatepetl became the volcano known as Popocatepetl, which means "Smoking Mountain" in the Nahuatl language, while Iztaccihuatl became the dormant volcano called Iztaccihuatl, which means "White Woman" due to its snow-capped appearance.

Much to our disappointment, the weather conditions prevented us from continuing our journey uphill or seeing the active volcano. Their powers, in one way or the other, did influence our journey onward, however. Feeling the consequences of the quick elevation change, the weak half of us felt sick and tired for the rest of the day.

PS: shortly after our trip, the whole area of the volcanos got closed due to the increased activity of Popocatepetl, the Mexican authorities increased the danger level to phase yellow.

Puebla and Oaxaca

With the initial goal of visiting another "town" apart from CDMX, we decided to visit Puebla, a city with more than 7 Mio. citizens, about two hours south of the active volcanos. Home to some of the largest Audi and Volkswagen manufacturing plants in North America, this city has a whole bunch of Germans and churches. While we could avoid the first mentioned, there was no way around the latter. In fact, 365 churches decorate the city map of Puebla, one for each day of the year and one more beautiful and unique than the other. The most special one, in Cholula, was built by the Spanish conquistadores on top of an Aztec pyramid and archaeological site. Normally the massive Popocatepetl shines in the background. Unfortunately, we could not see it due to the ashes and the fuzzy sight. However, we felt it on the benches, tables and cars in the streets, a thin layer of ashes everywhere in the city, making people use their FFP2 masks again. Apart from the holy presence, we were impressed by the colonial centre, the second-hand stores and the delicious food.

About a five-hour bus ride through the unique desert, mountains, cactus and stone landscapes lies the city of Oaxaca, which inspired the British restaurant chain Wahaca, which spreads across London like mushrooms. Known for its culinary offerings and home to the Mezcal, it has become a trendy place to visit, full of vegan cafes and gringos. While I didn't have the chance to visit the picturesque landscape, I was amazed by the vibes, the food and the colourful streets.

Due to its ongoing volcano activity, my flight back to CDMX got cancelled last minute. I had the pleasure of booking an eight-hour bus ride back to the capital, along with all the locals and some immigrants from neighbouring Guatemala or even further South. While I was using the wifi free time to read about social inequalities in Europe, they probably finally relaxed briefly before continuing the long and complicated journey towards the country's northern border.

Back in the city, I was welcomed by heavy rain showers. I ordered a torta de pastor and waited for my Uber driver. He talked to me about Chiapas, according to him, the most beautiful province of Mexico. I listened carefully, thinking I had just seen a fraction of this extraordinary country.